A Pastoral Concern -- Mistaking the true enemy

Last week, I attended part of a Plymouth Right to Life meeting at an LC-MS congregation in Plymouth.  I was curious about the topic, "Shepherding a Culture of Life," and how various clergy would address it.  There was a panel of pastors there--two LC-MS pastors, two Roman Catholic priests, and a priest from the Byzantine Catholic Church.  They were each given an opportunity to respond to questions composed by the attendees.  It was moderated by a representative from Michigan Right to Life who had just recently resigned as a pastor from an LC-MS congregation to take this position at Michigan Right to Life.

I can't say I was surprised by much at this panel discussion.  Thankfully, all the pastors were clearly pro-life and condemned abortion as opposed to God's will.  The 5th Commandment is not flexible in regard to the intentional killing of people, even those in the womb.  Sadly, there are plenty of churches and pastors who are pro-choice, but they were not part of the panel.  I suspect that none of them would have found any compelling reason to attend.  The sides are pretty well drawn up at this point.

There were a few surprises, and each was disappointing.  One continual sentiment among the panel of pastors was the apparent need to speak out about pro-life issues on every Sunday.  Maybe I was over-sensitive to their advice.  Maybe it was overstatement for the sake of trying to impress its importance.  As grievous a sin as murder is, and as horrible an abomination it is that abortion is supported and celebrated in our culture, it is not the only sin to be addressed.  I am not going to be condemned because there are abortion clinics served by doctors and staff, and visited by frightened women who want to erase an unwanted pregnancy (or by angry men who refuse to accept the responsibility for their sexual exploits).  Do I wish they did not exist?  Sure.  But I face judgment for my own sinfulness and the sinful thoughts, words, and actions that spring forth from that sinful condition.  We all need pardon for our sin and deliverance from God's wrath.  Jesus Christ alone provides that through the preached word and the administered sacraments.  That needs to be the chief and constant proclamation Sunday after Sunday.   I suspect the clergy panel would agree with me.  I hope they do, and also practice that.  But that was not the emphasis I took away from the Right to Life meeting. 

The greater disappointment came from two former pastors, each unwitting of the other's comments.  The man who sat at my table for lunch is currently a pastor.  He is soon retiring from the ministry.  I don't begrudge him of that.  He had been serving his congregation for 35 years.  It was, however, his next venture which he deemed a calling from God that struck me.  He told me that he was going to run for public office (I will keep it that vague since he has not officially announced his candidacy).  He is certain that God has called him to do this.  Why?  To fight the evils going on in our society.  Isn't he doing that as a pastor now?  And isn't he a pastor according to God's call?  I don't mean to be overly harsh to this man.  He has the freedom to do what he wants.  But it seems that he feels he can do more good for God in public office than he can as a pastor in Christ's Church.  

The other comment came from the moderator.  Now that he is no longer a pastor but works for the Right to Life, he stated that his job is doing battle with Satan and all the forces of evil.  Granted, Satan stokes up the wickedness which produces the "need" and desire for abortions.  But what was this man doing when he was a pastor?  Was he not doing battle against Satan and all the forces of evil?  Was he not driving unclean spirits out of the hearts of people with every baptism?  Was he not releasing prisoners of Satan by proclaiming the forgiveness of sins?  Was he not soothing consciences afflicted by the devil through Holy Absolution?  Was he not strengthening the Christians in the Church Militant by feeding them the body and blood which has overcome sin, death, and the devil?  If he was not doing battle with the devil, the demons, and all the forces of evil as a pastor, what was he doing?

I have to say that my curiosity was satisfied by going to this Right to Life meeting.  I appreciate and support the care and concern for people to have their lives protected and valued.  Life is, indeed, a gift of God and for that reason to be regarded as sacred.  Who could ever suggest that someone's life has less, little, or no value because of hardship, inconvenience, or expense?  That certainly does not come from God's lips.

Michigan Right to Life is a political action committee.  They seek to promote and encourage politicians and legislation to protect life and prevent murder.  Pastors, however are not politicians.  They don't work for politicians.  They are prophets.  A pastor's role is to preach the Gospel and to release souls from the grip of sin, death, and the devil.  Unbelievers will always think and act like unbelievers.  Laws may curb behavior, but it will not change hearts.  Jesus does not seek to threaten people into submission to morals.  He converts sinners and transforms them to love God's word.  Therefore, the pastor preaches Christ crucified to change and to comfort sinners--even those who have been guilty of aborting babies.  Those who have done so often bear a crushing burden of guilt.  Jesus Christ gives pardon from that guilt and from all guilt which no legislative body can ever produce.  Christ's love also compels us to support giving aid and assistance to those who have chosen the right thing (even if it is the hard thing) to keep the baby that they were not prepared for.  The Redford Pregnancy Care Center is just one place that such aid and assistance can be found.  It is a tangible way to show the mercies of Christ to others.

But since the Gospel is the only way heaven is opened, sinners are saved and comforted, and eternal life is granted, I will keep that as my focus.  The devil, the demons, and all the forces of evil will hate it and will fight against it.  Thankfully, Jesus has overcome them all and grants victory to those who believe in him and hear his word, no matter what our laws are.